We’ve all read and heard how the PR industry is fast-paced, competitive and often lands on “most stressful” lists. And when newbies come into our office, I often share the following: 53 Signs You Work in PR
Indeed, it’s a bit of a reality check (shock treatment?), and I can remember times when my colleagues and I went through and checked off the ones we’ve experienced. We’re storytellers after all, and at the end of the day, these experiences often make for good stories. And I share this one, too, which serves as sheer entertainment about the industry.
Some may think I’m crazy for sharing these links, but I do so because if you’re still around after reading all of that…we should be able to work together just fine! You’re passionate and maybe a tad bit crazy!
On a serious note, this business is not for the faint of heart or those who don’t adapt well or can’t handle rejection or cower at the sound of ‘no.’ If you’re lazy, this isn’t the industry for you and flying under the radar? Good luck with that! Maybe at a big firm, but not for long because the radar identifies slacker-ific tendencies rather quickly.
We’re not building spaceships here though, peeps. Like any job there are going to be challenges – ups, downs, crazy colleagues, long nights, hiring, firing, crappy clients, unpaid bills and moments where #@$%! hits the fan. Oh, and add fashion PR and its difficulty to “get in” into the mix…there may be weeping and ice cream comas in your future.
Now that we’ve gotten all of that out of the way, I want to talk about why it’s FANTASTIC to be a publicist and work in the fashion PR field:
It’s a fast-paced industry with lots of change. If you like to have a variety of experiences, public relations is an industry where there are unique opportunities to make your client’s mark and depending on where you work, there’s room for creativity, relationship-building, learning and growth (both professional and personal).
I’m not talking crisis communications here, but the solving of a customer’s desire to be seen and heard, share their talents, products and/or services. We put our thinking caps on and direct them to being innovative and informative.
We get the privilege of learning the latest trends and newest products before they hit the market. Discretion is key. We’re dual purpose – great secret keepers and story tellers at the same time!
See bullet #1 – there are a lot of moving parts and being organized is an asset that your friends and peers recognize. Which may be how you end up organizing all the parties, gatherings and get-togethers, but you got this!
We have an opportunity to meet so many cool and interesting people in our field – from media to client collaborators. Just as you are always evolving and growing, so are the people you meet and these connections prove to be invaluable over the years and develop your “it’s who you know” network. And the virtual connections are endless, and bring a whole new meaning to “it’s a small world after all.” (Note: Which is why you should always be good to people! And you are, natch. You’re a publicist, the good kind!)
Bags, scarfs, hats, perfume, purses, so.much.stuff. You may eventually tire of such perks! OK, rare, but you learn the value of sharing because hoarding is out, giving is in.
You’ve heard your brain is a muscle and needs to be worked out? Use it or lose it? Well, if you do the PR game right, your brain is well-toned and can rock a bikini with the best of them. We are always “on” (except when we’re not).
What reasons do you love being a publicist?
